Best Surf Shoes of 2024

BEST FOR: BALANCE AND GRIP 

When you’re in need of some serious grip and help balancing while paddling a SUP or shredding waves on a surfboard, then look no further than the Astral Loyak Water Shoes. Their low profile is super slim and ideal for board sports.

The self-draining feature ensures your feet aren’t waterlogged and the “Flex-Grip” outsoles give a feeling of being almost barefoot, letting you feel your board much better than you would with another pair of shoes. 

The canvas uppers are also extremely durable while offering a ventilated design that allows your feet to breathe and dry even quicker!

BEST FOR: ECO-CONSCIOUS PADDLERS

Eco-conscious paddlers who prefer rocking sustainably made gear from recycled materials will find a great fit with Salomon’s Tech Amphib 4 Water Shoes. 

The uppers on these shoes are made from 70% recycled PET (water bottle plastics) and the lining is made from coffee beans! Best suited to recreational kayaking and SUPing, the Tech Amphib 4’s are a quality investment that feature super cushion-y midsoles for all day comfort. 

The outsoles also sport a high-traction rubber grip, lending itself to performing well both on a wet SUP or while traversing slick rocks in a riverbed.

BEST FOR: ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN

I know what you may be thinking… “Can I get a matching pair of Croc gloves?” Yes they exist. No you cannot buy them. For now, you’ll just have to enjoy the ultra-lightweight design of the Croc Swiftwater Mesh Sandals. 

At just 6.1 oz. for the whole pair, you’ll be feeling lighter than that burger you ate for lunch! They feature mesh uppers that allow your feet to breathe even better than OG Crocs and sport a strap across the top of the foot that helps you secure the best fit. 

Kayaking and SUPing in these Crocs takes your paddling game to a whole new level as they deliver outstanding grip even on super slick surfaces.

BEST FOR: WEARING ANYWHERE

Are you the adventurous water-type that likes to shred some waves before going out in the evening? Don’t have time to switch into another pair of shoes? Then you will for sure vibe with the NRS Vibe Water Shoes. 

The ideal companion for keeping your feet under you while surfing and SUPing (and look good doing it!), these surf shoes provide a go-anywhere-do-anything mentality with their versatile design. Built to look and feel like regular sneaks, the Vibes are highly breathable and water-wicking. 

Their specially made outsoles also deliver excellent grip whether you’re doing fancy footwork on your board or traversing slick coves.

BEST FOR: CROSSOVER PERFORMANCE

Adventurous kayakers and SUPers who like to hike to their put-in or simply use a waterway as an access point for a remote hike will love Astral’s Brewer 2.0 Water Shoes. These shoes were designed with crossover performance in mind, meaning you’ll be able to both hike and paddle in these beauties. 

The mesh uppers will keep your feet cool and dry on warm weather hikes while also offering ventilation for quick drying when splashing through puddles or when water washes aboard your paddling vessel. The Brewer 2.0’s also sports a “balanced geometry” that ensures your heels are at the same level as the balls of your feet, giving you improved balance and agility.

BEST FOR: ANKLE SUPPORT

Surfers and Paddleboarders who are in need of a little extra ankle support will thoroughly enjoy the Astral Hiyak High-Top Water Shoes. The Over The Ankle design mated with an ankle strap provides unmatched support for big water days. 

Billed as “wetsuits for your feet”, the Hiyak Water Shoes also sport 3mm quilted air mesh that insulates against frigid cold water, yet maintains a lightweight design that doesn’t weigh you down. It does this by trapping air that is warmed with movement but then dries quickly overnight. You can also pair these with a wetsuit and ensure you also keep your ankles warm when chasing waves all year long!

BEST FOR: MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE

No matter if you’re planning on using these for surfing, kayaking, or SUPing (or all 3!), the Chaco Torrent PRO Water Shoes will deliver amazing performance regardless of the task! 

Co-developed by whitewater kayakers to deliver maximum performance, protection, and drainage, these water shoes are down to take a beating and keep you firmly planted on your board. The rubber soles perform extremely well on wet surfaces thanks to razor siping, a process where small slits are cut into rubber to improve traction on water and ice. 

The soles are also non-marking, meaning you don’t need to worry about scuff marks on your precious surfboard.

BEST FOR: MULTIPLE COLOR OPTIONS

It’s not always enough to have gear that gets the job done, you also have to look good while doing it! For the fashion conscious paddlers who want sleek looking water shoes, look no further than ALEADER’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes. 

Somewhere between sandal and sneaker, these water shoes offer a fully mesh upper for maximal water drainage while the rubber soles sport major drainage ports. Keeping your feet ventilated with their smart design, you’ll be able to enjoy all day comfort and breathability. 

Be aware though, not all color options have the same design. Some pairs offer a traditional lace up design while others rock a single-pull lacing system, giving you even more options!

BEST FOR: BUDGET-CONSCIOUS PADDLERS

Looking for a quality pair of water shoes while also keeping costs down? We’ve got you covered with the DOUSSPRT Quick Drying Sports Water Shoes! 

Best suited for kayaking and SUPing, these budget friendly water shoes have mesh uppers that let your feet breathe and dry quickly. The single-pull laces also offer quick on/off access when you’re on the go. Possibly the best part about these shoes is how stylish they are too, lending them to being worn all summer long or casually at a resort – no need to change shoes for next paddling adventure.